Punishing Facts About Philip II, The King Who Locked Up His Wife
For all the great things he did for France—including building the beautiful Louvre—we will likely remember Philip II for one thing. He was the French King who locked his wife in a tower. If it sounds like a fairy tale, think again.
His wife spent 20 harrowing years in a tower, and there were no animated talking animals or long locks of hair to get her out. Philip was as tough as nails, but he had a reason for keeping away from his wives.
It was a dark secret that he would take to his grave.
1. He Came From God
When Philip was born, in Gonesse on August 21, 1165, his dad was already really old. Because Louis VII was 45 when Philip was born, they gave the baby a nickname: God-given.
After having four children with two different wives, Philip was the first son. Philip’s mother, Adela of Champagne, was the King’s third wife and was 25 when she had Philip.
Philip was a literal gift from god, as far as his father was concerned. But that came with its own kind of fear.
2. He Got Sick
Because of his age and ill health, Louis was in a hurry to get Philip declared his co-ruler. When Philip was just a teenager, Louis thought it was time. When father and son went on a hunting trip, however, the worst happened: young Philip became ill. Now, what they had on their hands was an aging and frail king and a sickly king-to-be. Things didn’t look good for Louis, so he took matters into his own hands—literally.
3. He Prayed Passionately
Louis’ solution to the problem of his ill son was to go on a pilgrimage. There was a Shrine of Thomas Becket that Louis thought would be able to cure his son.
Once he got there, Louis fell onto his knees, clasped his hands together, and began to passionately pray for his son’s recovery. While still at the shrine, Louis got a message: Philip was in recovery. A very relieved Louis happily headed back home.
Unfortunately, Louis should have also been praying for his own health.
4. Neither Was Fit
On his way back from the Shrine of Thomas Becket, Louis suffered a terrible stroke. Wow, it seemed that neither Philip nor his father was healthy enough to be a lasting king. Too bad: There weren't any other options.
They were the heads of the House of Capet. If neither of them was king, another house would take over—and that would be an unthinkable tragedy.
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